Saint-Martin-Dʼentraunes brings together specific mountain sports and cultural landmarks. At the Col des Champs, a cycling climb with stated figures and a historic connecting route take centre stage; the Saint-Barnabé Plateau offers hiking and winter activities. The Église Saint-Martin and the Saint Barnabé patron saint’s festival add art and local tradition to these themes.

Col des Champs: Climb and Historic Connection

The official climb via the D278 includes a 4.1 km section with an 8% gradient. The cycling climb to the Col des Champs starts in Saint-Martin-Dʼentraunes at an elevation of 1,060 m and reaches the pass at 2,061 m. Route conditions may vary seasonally.

The 8% figure refers to the named section, while 1,060 m and 2,061 m mark the starting elevation and pass elevation of the cycling climb. This distinguishes the gradient figure from the elevations as two different points of reference. If you are planning a bike ride, you can take both the stated section and the pass elevations into account.

The Col des Champs also forms an old connecting route between the upper Var and the upper Verdon. The pass’s profile therefore includes a historic connection between these areas as well as its sporting significance.

Saint-Barnabé Plateau and Winter Activities

The Saint-Barnabé Plateau lies at an elevation of 1,700 m in the commune of Saint-Martin-Dʼentraunes, near Val Pelens. An easy-to-access hike crosses the plateau and is possible in every season; conditions may vary seasonally. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also possible there in winter. The distinction is useful for planning: hiking is possible year-round, while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are winter options.

Val Pelens offers remarkable snowshoeing opportunities at the foot of the Aiguilles de Pelens; ski touring is possible around the Col des Champs. Val Pelens is a sunny ski resort in the village of Saint-Martin-Dʼentraunes. The ski area is particularly well suited to children; the seasonal offering may change.

The winter options differ by activity and location: snowshoeing is possible both on the plateau and at the foot of the Aiguilles de Pelens, cross-country skiing on the plateau, and ski touring around the Col des Champs. Trails and conditions are seasonal.

Église Saint-Martin and the Patron Saint’s Festival

The Église Saint-Martin was designated a Monument historique in 1926 and houses an altarpiece by François BREA dating from 1555. An altarpiece is an altar decoration; the work is therefore a specific art-historical landmark in the church.

The Saint Barnabé patron saint’s festival takes place in Saint-Martin-Dʼentraunes in June. The festival includes a Mass at the Chapelle St Barnabé and the distribution of blessed bread; the exact programme may vary.

The Église Saint-Martin and Chapelle St Barnabé have different roles: the altarpiece and designation refer to the Église, while the festival Mass takes place at the Chapelle.

These offer different considerations when choosing when to travel: the festival in June and seasonal winter activities. Plan according to whether you want to focus on the cultural event or the winter options.

Discover more destinations: Mouans-Sartoux, Sospel, Guillaumes, La Colle-Sur-Loup, Roquefort Les Pins, Mandelieu-La-Napoule, Tende, Nice.

For the wider travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.